12th International Conference of Ombudsmen held in Baku

Baku, June 19 (AzerTAc). The 12th International Conference of Ombudsmen has been held in Baku. Entitled “The role of national human rights institutions in ensuring women’s rights”, the event is supported by UNESCO. It brings together over 30 ombudsmen and their representatives from more than 15 countries of Europe, Asia and America, as well as human rights experts, lawyers and representatives of international organizations. Azerbaijani Commissioner for Human Rights, Ombudsman Elmira Suleymanova made an opening speech at the event. She said the conference aimed to provide a platform for sharing experience in the protection of human rights, discussing the existing problems and expanding cooperation with international organizations. Mrs. Suleymanova highlighted reforms carried out in Azerbaijan and the government`s work to strengthen the protection of human rights in the country. Azerbaijani Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the State Committee for Refugee and IDP Affairs Ali Hasanov provided an insight into what had been done to ensure the protection of women’s rights in the country. The Deputy Premier drew the attention of the conference participants to the violation of rights of over one million Azerbaijanis who became refugees and IDPs as a result of the Armenian aggression. Mr. Hasanov said 20 per cent of Azerbaijani lands were under the Armenian occupation, adding 53% of the Azerbaijani refugees and IDPs were women. First Secretary of the National Commission of Azerbaijan for UNESCO Gunay Afandiyeva noted the importance of the conference, saying it will help create new mechanisms for protection of women’s rights. Chairman of the State Committee for Family, Women and Children`s Affairs Hijran Huseynova praised the women`s policy in Azerbaijan. Deputy Speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament Bahar Muradova highlighted work done to ensure gender equality in Azerbaijan. UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan Antonius Broek hailed measures taken in Azerbaijan to ensure human rights. The conference will culminate with the adoption of the Baku Declaration on June 20.